BIPV or Building Integrated Photovoltaics as the name suggests are solar modules that integrate into the building, walls, windows, roof. These integrate very well into the building structures and thus give a more elegant look to the construction. These are especially designed materials with ancillary source of electrical power. Both new construction as well as older ones can use this technology. Advantages of using BIPV modules are:

1) Aesthetically pleasing

2) Saves building materails and labor costs

3) Can be used on weaker building structures and roofs where solar panels cannot be installed

4) Can be used on structures such as facades and skylights where solar panels cannot be installed.

BIPV Solar Module Manufacturers

1) Onyx Solar

Onyx Solar is the leading company in BIPV turnkey projects. The company manufactures a wide range of BIPV solutions based on different customers’ needs. The different BIPV solutions offered are:

i) Standard PV Glass – come in different colors and sizes to suit ones needs. 100% compatible with any building area and can be used ventilated facades, skylights, walkable floors, canopies, windows, curtain walls, balconies etc. Onyx Solar has launched the first colored photovoltaic glass used for construction purposes. One can also choose the degree of transparency for the glass.

ii) Custom PV Glass – can be customized according to the client’s need. The company gives a turn around time of 48 hours.

Onyx Solar also provides various services related to BIPV projects like EPC/ EPCM solution, designing the PV project, engineering, system installation and implementation and performance monitoring.

2) Ascent Solar

Ascent Solar’s WaveSol Thin Film Modules integrate into building materials to produce solar power. WaveSol Light module is claimed to deliver the highest power density available on thin-film plastic substrates. Ascent Solar modules laminates can be used in roofing, shading and building surfaces. They are available in 5 meters for large, flat surfaces; also available in 2 meters, loads of less than 1 lb/sq ft on low slope roofs. These are lightweight and flexible.

3) Canadian Solar

Canadian Solar is one of the lowest cost manufacturers of solar panels. A vertically integrated company, providing ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules, solar power systems and specialized solar products. The company provides the solar industry with the widest PV product lines from 0.03W to 305W. Canadian Solar’s BIPV modules use double low iron tempered glass with solar cells laminated in between. These can be used in wide applications like roof, facade, skylight, shade and other on-grid and off-grid roofing and glazing applications. Features of Canadian Solar’s BIPV Modules are:

Power Output: 55W-115W/m2 depending on cell spacing

Cell Information: Crystalline (mono or poly 125mm/ 156mm)

Size/Piece: 100mm x 100mm (min) up to 2000mm x 3000mm (max)

Weight/Piece: 5kg- 30kg/m2

Cable Location: Edge

Transparency: Average 25% up to 50% +

Module Thickness: 6mm + 6mm up to 12mm + 12mm

Frame: No Frame

Warranty Period: 10 years, 90% power; 25 years, 80% power.

4) Hanergy

Hanergy is the largest China based thin film company, with branches in China, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and other regions. Hanergy manufactures high efficiency thin film solar modules. The acquisitions of Solibro and MiaSole have helped Hanergy to achieve 15.5% efficiency with its CIGS modules. Hanergy’s BIPV modules have been successfully integrated into facades in the Jiangsu Wujin project. The BIPV products were first launched by the company in 2011. Another plant is under construction at the global headquarters in Beijing, which aims at the integration of solar thin film PV modules to facades and rooftops. There is also a Solar PV parking lot under construction at the Beijing headquarters.

5) Hanwha Solar One

Hanwha SolarOne Co. Ltd. is the flagship of the Hanwha Solar Network, throughout the PV value chain – from the production of polysilicon to project development and financing services. Hanwha SolarOne solar modules are ideal for on grid & off grid applications for commercial, residential and utility purposes. Hanwha SolarOne manufactures BIPV modules using “glass-on-glass” technique. It is ideal for shading windows, replacing walls or skylights and creating transparent roofing structures. They also manufacture customized solar modules based on the building’s requirements.

Sneha Shah

I am Sneha, the Editor-in-chief for the Blog. We would be glad to receive suggestions, inputs & comments on GWI from you guys to keep it going! You can contact me for consultancy/trade inquires by writing an email to greensneha@yahoo.in

May I know good quality suppliers/manufacturers of BIPV in India suitable for walls and industrial rooftops. TS of the BIPV shall be useful data. I am looking for effecient, dependable and cost effective BIPV for around 30000 sq feet ms leak proof structure mounted rooftop

We are looking for quality BIPV systems to be installed on dead walls in our Institutions in NCR. Cumulatively these areas would figure out to be thousands of Square Meters. The jobs would be done on turn-key basis.